Reference Tips

As part of the college application process, one to three letters of recommendation are usually required.  These recommendations may be from teachers, employers, advisors, coaches, or other individuals who have knowledge of your academic record and/or your personal character. Do not ask individuals who know you only in a social capacity.

In order to assure that requested letters are actually sent, you should make the process as easy as possible for those you ask to be references.  Following are several tips to facilitate having the reference letters submitted on time.

1. Prepare materials/information that a potential reference will need to complete the process including:
    
   • College information that includes details of what is being requested.
   • Your resume or profile
   • All college specific forms to be completed - - Make sure you complete your section prior to giving to the reference for completion
   • Addressed and stamped envelope to the college (Some colleges require the student to submit all information at one time, therefore, you will need to have the reference seal and sign the envelope before returning to you)
   • If the reference sends directly to the college, provide an addressed and stamped envelope for their use
   • Deadline for receipt of reference letter
2. Call or visit the potential reference and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
   
   
3. If the individual agrees, provide the information packet as outlined above.
   
   
4. Follow up with the reference in two to three weeks to check on progress.
   
   
5. Contact references early in the application process to allow time for them to complete the recommendation forms. Remember, your references are busy and it may take them several weeks to complete the letters.
   
   
6. For those references that return information to you for mailing to the college, send a thank you note immediately upon receipt of the information.
   
   
7. For those references that will send directly to the college, send thank you notes two weeks prior to the deadline. If your reference has not yet sent the recommendation, this will prompt them to complete the process.
   
   
8. A handwritten thank you note is more personal and shows how much you appreciate their help.
   
   
9. At a minimum, send the reference an e-mail thank you.
   
   

Sample Thank You Letters